The Best 5-Step Korean Skincare Routine for Beginners
Your Skincare Routine Made Easy
If you’re new to skincare or feeling overwhelmed by complicated routines, the Korean 5-step method is the perfect place to start. Rooted in gentle care and intentional layering, this beginner-friendly approach transforms your skin without irritation or guesswork. It’s simple, soothing, and seriously effective.
Here’s how to build your own Korean skincare ritual—with the exact steps (and recommended products) to see real results.
Step 1: Double Cleanse (PM) | Gentle Cleanse (AM)
Korean skincare always begins with a thorough yet non-stripping cleanse. In the morning, use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type. At night, follow the double cleanse method, beginning with an oil or cream based cleanser first, followed by a gentle foaming cleanser. This method removes sunscreen, makeup, and daily grime, preventing clogged pores and breakouts.
Recommended Products:
KrX Enzyme Milk Cleanser – A luxurious, milky oil cleanser that dissolves buildup without disrupting your barrier.
Dermathod Moist Morning Touch Foam Cleanser – A featherlight morning cleanser that refreshes and hydrates the skin without over-cleansing.
💡 Tip: In the evening, spend at least 5 minutes cleansing with your oil cleanser.
Step 2: Toner – Balance & Prep
A well-formulated toner restores hydration and preps your skin to absorb serums more effectively by balancing the skins’s natural pH. Korean toners aren’t harsh or alcohol-based—they’re designed to comfort and calm the skin.
Recommended Products:
Corthe Essential Soothing Toner Pads – Pre-soaked and soothing, these pads balance pH and gently sweep away any residue.
KrX Cica Recovery Toner – Packed with centella, this toner reduces redness and inflammation for ultra-sensitive or acne-prone skin.
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Step 3: Serum – Treat & Glow
Serums deliver concentrated ingredients to target your biggest skin concerns—like dullness, breakouts, aging or uneven tone.
Recommended Products:
KrX All Day Glow Vitamin Serum – This brightening serum is loaded with antioxidants and niacinamide to restore glow and fade dark spots over time.
Dermathod Priming Peel Booster Pads- gentle, effective exfoliating serum pads infused with slow-releasing PHA and LHA. Refine texture, smooth skin, reduce hyperpigmentation and brighten your complexion. Use up to 3x weekly.
Step 4: Moisturizer – Seal In Hydration
Moisturizer helps lock in all the previous steps and strengthens your skin barrier. Choose a lighter gel-style moisturizers for oily and acne prone skin. Dry skin favors thicker, cream-style moisturizers.
Recommended Products:
Corthe Moisture RX Recharging Cream – Lightweight, perfect for daily hydration and barrier repair.
Corthe Rich M Cream – A richer cream packed with ceramides, ideal for dry, sensitive, or barrier-compromised skin.
Step 5: SPF (AM Only) – Essential Daily Protection
The most important anti-aging step in Korean skincare? Sunscreen. This final layer shields your skin from UV damage, dark spots, and early aging.
Recommended Product:
Pfect-A Solar Elixir Serum Sunscreen – A silky, serum-like SPF that melts into all skin tones with no white cast and zero greasiness.
Why This Routine Works
This 5-step (4-step at night) Korean skincare routine is powerful in its simplicity. By layering lightweight steps, your skin absorbs hydration and actives more effectively—without irritation. Harsh products and one-size-fits-all routines don’t work for sensitive skin. But this gentle system strengthens, soothes, and transforms over time.
Anyone can do this—and it’s all you need to start seeing a difference.
Ready to glow?
Try this beginner routine and experience the results of intentional, layered skincare. Your skin will thank you.
